Marble Care & Maintenance

Marble- Care and Maintenance:

Taking care of your marble:Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystalized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite and dolomite. The low index of refraction of calcite allows light to penetrate into the stone before being scattered out, resulting in the characteristic “waxy” look giving life to any surface its used on.

Marble needs to be sealed to protect its shine. It is prone to become dull quite quickly if no sealer has been applied. Marble is sensitive to chemicals and the surface etches quite easily from cleaning chemicals that are normally used on ceramic tiles.

Stubborn Stains and Dried SpillsMarble may be stone, but it is porous and stains easily. Wipe off anything spilled on marble immediately, just as you would from a wood surface. Occasionally wash marble surfaces with lukewarm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Wiping surface with a damp chamois will not leave streaks’. A light coat of wax will protect the surface of marble but is not considered essential. Use colourless wax. Don’t wax white marble as it may tend to yellow it. A marble sealer can be applied to clean marble, which will protect from staining and allow soil to be wiped off with a damp cloth.

Special CleaningMarble which has become dull can be livened up by using a commercial marble cleaner and polish. Putty powder (tin oxide) can be used to polish dulled or etched surfaces, rubbing on with a damp cloth, folding and refolding to clean damp areas, and preferably using an electric polisher for buffing. Severely damaged surfaces, scratched or etched, can be polished by a business making and selling tombstones or other marble products.

Stain RemovalMake a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with a chemical recommended to dissolve that stain; or mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and depth of the stain. Plastic wrap, held in place by masking tape, can be put over the poultice to keep it damp; otherwise it will have to be re-dampened with the chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use; mix a second batch later if another application is needed.

1.

Organic Stains:Tea, coffee, colours bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia.

2.

Oil Stains:Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours. To remove: scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, then rinse and wipe dry. If these alkaline solutions don’t remove all the oil, you can try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or with a home dry cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not leave on too long.

3.

Rust Stains:Rust is usually the result of metal items such as a lamp, metal container in which plants is placed etc. Use a commercial rust stain remover. Follow directions exactly and do not leave on surface very long as acid in many rust removers can etch the surface.